Porablum calls upon her own fey lineage to speak with the weasel, and then chitters, growls, and makes noises at it.
"We don't want to hurt you, but that attack was very rude. Did someone hurt you before? Can you tell us if there's danger about?"
Porablum tries to talk down the creature, but it is not enough to calm the beast, who feels threatened by so many creatures surrounding it.
it snaps at the closest creature: Hjorleaf. Hjorleaf is ready for it, and gets a big hit in as the giant rodent snaps its jaws at him.
it flails weakly, not able to connect at all with the large man.
The whole party may act
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Grimgisli HP: 16/23 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Bazikian HP: 12/12 - AC: 17/11/16 Status:
Easlis: HP: 11/17 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:
Brominate HP: 12/17 - AC: 17/14/13 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 12/22 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:NPCS:
Weasel: HP -14 | AC: ??
Brominate takes the opportunity to scoot in unseen behind the creature and do some slashin' and stabbin'
Unsure what to make of the communication between the snow weasel and his friends Easlis kept his distance from the creature. Seeing that the beast has chosen a target he had drawn the conclusion that all the negotiations had failed and it was time to solve the issue with teeth and swords.
Casting a spell on his scimitar and charging it with magic he stabbed with it targeting the creature's side leaving behind not only a deep wound but also an 'X' centred where the sword had struck the creature.
The small Ulfen hunter smiles as he unleashes on the unusual animal.
But the smile quickly fades as his shots fail to even come close to hitting his target.
Porablum frowns and says, "Okay, weasel, we tried to be nice, but you wouldn't cooperate. I'm sorry, but I have to smack you now." The little gnome shuffles forward and attempts to smack the weasel with a little mace.
Brominate's knives cut deep, taking advantage of Hjorleaf drawing some attention. Easlis comes in next and finishes the beast off.
End of combat
The first thing Grim does is attempt to retrieve his arrows.
The second is evaluate the remains, looking to see if the pelt is worth trying to take or not.
Wiping the blood from his axe, Hjorleaf smiles at the dead creature.
Sneaky little thing...The pelt, if we have the time, could be of use.
Porablum sighs sadly. ”It’s a shame it was so aggressive. I’m sure it would have been very nice under better circumstances. If you guys are going to skin it, you should probably butcher it, too. The meat would probably make a good meal.”
I would imagine that they would taste like squirrels...
"A smaller weasel does taste much like squirrel. The size shouldn't change that, much, though the obvious panic a few minutes before death means the meat will taste of fear. Still feed us and keep us moving, but it won't be as good as it could have. Have to do a quick cure of the hide to prevent rot from starting, but the biggest advantage to taking it is how much better it will be than one of the blankets you are all wearing." He looks at the group and thinks about they last ate, and how they might be doing in the cold. "Do we want to take the time to build afire, cook some of the meat, and work on the hide, or would one of you like to wrap yourself in it, fur to the inside, and we just keep moving? Cured or not, it will warm you, it just won't last anywhere nearly as long. Either way, I suppose we should start cutting hunks of meat, too."
After wiping the weasel's blood from the blade Easlis looked around the place wearily. "There's no telling how many of these beasts are still crawling under the snow. We would probably need the fur and some meat if you consider it to be edible. I would suggest to prepare it when we set up camp, nothing is going to rot in this cold."
"Well, it might, but it will probably take a long time. I don't need the hide - I have my warm winter clothing. My mom knitted my hat herself. It can get cold in Varisia, sometimes. Mom had me pack the stuff, just in case. I didn't think I'd need it in Taldor, of all places."
Brominate, satisfied to have actually shown some of his own worth, hopefully making up for his earlier weakness with the doll.
Looking at the furry creature, the idea of more warmth was appealing. But he was fine, really. His winter clothing and blanket were suiting him well, keeping frostbite at bay. Then his mind wandered back to that hunter from the tavern.
"I'm beyond ready to close this frozen-over Hell portal. Curing that thing would require a space indoors....wouldn't it? If you do take the pelt, whatever scraps can't be used, save. If we survive this, I can at least prove to everyone that hunter wasn't crazy after all."
With that, he cleans his blades, blends into the snow, and begins checking the perimeter for aggressors and/or anything unusual.
Looking around at the others as they try to decided on what next to do.
We take the pelt, meat and anything else of value. Extra supplies is better than not enough. We should rest and dry off from the combat. The cold will sap the strength right out of us if we are not respectful of its power.
Porablum says, "How big a deal is this frozen-over Hell portal? I mean, resting and such out of the cold is probably a good thing, but if this is a big deal, we might be better off pushing on."
Looking at the map, Brominate comments that starting a fire might be the worst idea imaginable right now. They seem very close to where the portal is supposed to be, and they have no idea what to expect.
...perhaps it'd be a prudent thing ta do... to scout ahead and see what we can learn. Does someone want to join? If y'all are dead set on making camp, it might be best to backtrack to that..(he shudders for a moment...but not from the cold) to that cabin on top of the hill. There'd be shelter and a defensible position.
After giving a short glance at Brominate's map the half-elf responds to Porablum:
"The portal... We don't have that much information about it to be honest, besides its location and that it might be the cause of all the weather changes. We don't know what's its role, how it functions, how well guarded it is and most importantly, how to close it." He seamed gloomier after admitting to their lack of information and preparation.
"Though my body feels weary I still got plenty of magic to push on if you so choose. Big guy, do you think you can make it with those wounds of yours?"
"Of COURSE! Better not to have to, but I can if I must."
Porablum says, "Oh, hold on a minute! I can help with those."
She then issues a short prayer to Desna, healing Grimgisli's wounds.
"Well, if this portal is the cause of the freaky weather, we should hurry and deal with it. Let's go!"
feeling determined, the group pushes on towards the portal.
snow is falling even thicker here, accompanied by swirling winds. it is very difficult to see where you are going, and visibility past 20 feet is almost nothing. the snow is deeper, up to 4 feet in places.
as the group pushes onward, the outline of some small tent or structure comes into view just ahead.
Porablum, in some places barely keeping her head above the snow, looks towards the outline of whatever shelter it is she sees, then says loudly above the swirling winds, "Look! Do you think there's someone here guarding the portal?"
Hjorleaf is about to say something when he hears the words "big Guy"...
His mouth opens but closer quickly as Grimgisli responds. The large human looks down slightly at the ranger and smiles.
sure why...grim the big guy...
Shrugging his shoulders.
Very well. Let us get a move on.
Brominate barely hears whatever the new gal was saying, but he turns to where he thinks she is and gestures for her to stop. He carefully creeps forward as best he can in this ridiculous snow, staying low and near the wall of snowy trees on his right.
The structure's shape becomes more distinct as he approaches and tries to move around the outside of it, always keeping the trees close to him.
"Much appreciated. Do you have any support for Hjorleaf? He's more likely to have any new opponents tear into him than I am."
---------
"Don't spread out too far. Amazingly easy to get lost in these conditions."
as you get closer, you see that the small structure is actually a short igloo. the opening is on the western side. to the north of you, you see a rocky outcropping that continues to the north past where you can see.
You see nothing moving other than the wind-blown snow everywhere.
He shows no signs that he is injured and starts to walk towards the door.
Porablum looks to Hjorleaf and shouts loudly, "Do you need some healing? You haven't said anything about being injured!"
Easlis sighs as he's watching Brominate sneak ahead "There he goes again... It's a good thing he has the snowshoes."
Seeing the tents the magus draws his sword and moves carefully through the thick snow towards the tents.
"Yes staying closer is a good idea, if you see anything just yell. As for any support via magical use, I'm afraid that I'll only be able to provide such help after a rest. Though it pains me to admit it, I have been too lax in the preparation for this journey."
Gripping his ax and letting his eyes roam from side to side, the large man keeps his pace steady with the others.
Hjorleaf looks down at Porablum...his voice is calm and friendly
If you have some to spare...My wounds are minor, there are others that need the healing more than I.
Nodding towards the snowshoe tracks.
especially when they wonder off alone.
Porablum casts her spell to try and heal up the big Ulfen man.
"I still have a spell left, if we need it," the gnome shouts above the wind, then stays close to the big guy so she doesn't get lost.
Brominate, feeling confident he won't be seen, heads toward the rocky outcropping, using the high wall as a guide to keep his whereabouts clear in his head.
Hjorleaf nods as he continues to move forward.
Brominate continues to move ahead, while the other stay put and prepare themselves.
you see what looks like a cave opening ahead in the rock face. you are not at a good angle to see anything inside, however
Moving up, Grim, Hjorleaf and Easlis can see what Brominate saw before, the small structure in front of them is an igloo.
As the group moves up, something comes flying out of the snow and hits Hjorleaf. as it hits it lets off a thunderous BANG!
the sound rings in the ears of Easlis and Hjorleaf for a few moments before wearing off, but Grimgislis is unable to hear anything at all. (a thunderstone was thrown at you, Grim is deafened for 1 hour.)
the group can spot the creature responsible for the noise, a flying Atomie near the opening of the igloo.
bold may act: Grimgisli, Hjorleaf, Atomie, Porablum, Brominate, Easlis
Grim starts cursing in Skald, but, sadly, it isn't very imaginative. Has something to do with the Atomie's lineage and sexual habits. As hs mouth is running, so are his hands, though.
He readies the bow as he steps up and looses at the annoying creature.
Plowing through the snow at a slow pace, Hjorleaf pulls forth a throwing ax. As he gets close enough he throws the weapon up at the creature.
"Is that all you've got?" Easlis yelled mockingly at the atomie, wondering if the igloo was its home or it just happened to be in an area it protects."You should hear the Skald grooming songs."
Grimgisli and Hjorleaf miss the creature, and it flings a stone back at Hjorleaf using a small sling
the sling bullet feels unaturally cold, but Hjorleaf shrugs off any ill effects.
bold may act: Porablum, Brominate, Easlis, Grimgisli, Hjorleaf, Atomie
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Grimgisli HP: 16/23 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Porablum HP: 18/18 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 11/17 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:
Brominate HP: 12/17 - AC: 17/14/13 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 17/22 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:NPCS:
Atomie: HP ?? | AC: ??
Porablum flounders forward through the deep snow, but she can't see what's attacking. She finds Easlis to ask him what's going on and what was the loud boom.
"Easils, what's going on? Are we being attacked?"
"By the gods, not another one taken with madness!" Easlis exclaims when hearing the gnome suddenly speaking in a foreign tongue.
"Don't worry little girl, we'll quickly take care of your master and you should be back to normal."
He exchanges his weapons once again seeing that neither the sword or nor his spells would be effective against the flying creature. The half-elf releases an arrow but it doesn't even come close to the target.